NHS Pharmacy First Service
NHS Pharmacy First Service
Get NHS Treatment and Advice from Your Local Pharmacy
The NHS Pharmacy First Service allows patients to access advice and treatment for a range of common health conditions directly from a community pharmacy, without needing to see a GP first.
Our pharmacy team can provide confidential consultations, expert clinical advice and, where appropriate, NHS treatment and medication for eligible patients.
Many conditions can be assessed and treated quickly and conveniently, helping you get the care you need sooner.
What Is the NHS Pharmacy First Service?
Pharmacy First is an NHS service designed to make it easier for patients to access healthcare for common illnesses and conditions.
Specially trained pharmacists or pharmacy technicians can:
- Assess symptoms
- Provide clinical advice
- Recommend self-care treatments
- Supply NHS medicines where appropriate
- Refer patients to another healthcare professional if needed
Consultations are private and confidential and take place in our consultation room.
The Seven Conditions That Can Currently Be Treated?
Under the NHS Pharmacy First Service, pharmacists or pharmacy technicians can assess and provide treatment for the following conditions where clinically appropriate:
1. Earache (Acute Otitis Media)
For children aged 1 to 17 years with symptoms such as:
- Ear pain
- Fever
- Irritability
- Temporary hearing changes
2. Impetigo
A contagious skin infection that may cause:
- Red sores
- Crusting or weeping skin
- Itchy patches
3. Infected Insect Bites
Symptoms may include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Pain or tenderness
- Warm skin around the bite
4. Shingles
A painful rash caused by the chickenpox virus, commonly causing:
- Tingling or burning pain
- Blistering rash
- Sensitivity of the skin
5. Chronic Sinusitis
Symptoms may include:
- Facial pain or pressure
- Prolonged Nasal congestion
- Headache
- Thick nasal discharge
6. Sore Throat
Including symptoms such as:
- Pain when swallowing
- Swollen glands
- Fever
- Red or inflamed throat
7. Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
For eligible women (16-64 years old) with symptoms including:
- Burning or stinging when passing urine
- Frequent urination
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Who Can Use the Service?
The NHS Pharmacy First Service is available for eligible NHS patients. Age and eligibility criteria apply depending on the condition being treated.
The following age restrictions apply:
- Earache: children aged 1–17 years
- Sore throat: patients aged 5 years and over
- Chronic Sinusitis: patients aged 12 years and over
- Shingles: patients aged 18 years and over
- Infected insect bites: patients aged 1 year and over
- Impetigo: patients aged 1 year and over
- Uncomplicated UTIs: women aged 16–64 years
Our pharmacist or pharmacy technican will confirm whether the service is suitable during your consultation.
How Do I Access the Service?
You can:
- Walk into the pharmacy and ask for a Pharmacy First consultation
- Be referred by your GP practice
- Be referred by NHS 111
No appointment is usually necessary although there may a short period to wait. Waiting times will be provided by the pharmacy team.
Is There a Charge?
NHS Pharmacy First consultations are free of charge. If NHS treatment or medication is supplied, normal NHS prescription charges may apply unless you are entitled to free NHS
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Why Choose Our Pharmacy?
- Fast and convenient access to NHS care
- No GP appointment needed for many conditions
- Experienced and trained pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
- Private consultation room
- Friendly and professional healthcare advice
- Full details of your consultation will be sent to your GP surgery
Unsure the Pharmacy First Service is right for you?
If you are unsure whether Pharmacy First is suitable for you, speak to a member of our pharmacy team who will be happy to help.
Alternatively, click here or below to complete our pre-treatment eligibility checker which will signpost you to the best treatment provider based on your symptoms.
If this pre-consultation checker says you are eligible for treatment at the pharmacy, please either visit or contact the pharmacy to speak with our pharmacist or pharmacy technician, during opening hours.
Please inform the pharmacist or pharmacy technician that you completed the online eligibilty questionaire.